Does Effexor affect taste? (+2 evidences)
By
Dr Maryam Shabbir (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Ivan Kahwa
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Maryam Shabbir PhD is a pharmacist with expertise in drugs delivery, pharmacology, dosage form design, transdermal drug delivery system, microneedles, and solubility enhancement. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Maryam Shabbir’s Highlights:
Assistant Professor at The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.
PhD in Pharmaceutics with a focus on solubility enhancement of BCS class II and III drugs and their delivery through transdermal route using microneedles.
Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Lahore with a two-year scholarship.
Professional Experience:
Dr Maryam Shabbir joined Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore as soon as she completed her Pharm-D in 2010. In 2017, she got promoted as an assistant professor.
Dr Maryam Shabbir has supervised twenty two M.Phil. students in pharmaceutics in areas such as transdermal drug delivery system, nanoparticles, microparticle, solid dispersion, and transdermal patches.
Dr Maryam Shabbir has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects, including the development of lyophilized wafer of Acyclovir with Medisearch Pharmacal Pvt. Ltd., a major pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan.She has also worked as a team member in one of the Contract Research Organizations of Pakistan.
Dr Maryam Shabbir has organized two International conferences and three national conferences as conference secretary for the University of Lahore in collaboration with Punjab Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
Dr Maryam Shabbir has submitted two patents to the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO), and three patents are in pipeline. She has also presented her work in different exhibitions organized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. She works in close liaison with the Innovation Hub, University of Lahore, Pakistan.
Dr Maryam Shabbir participated as a member of the examination board for several Master’s exams and as an external examiner for Pharm-D in reputable universities of Pakistan. She is also a member of Punjab Pharmacy Council and Pakistan Pharmacist Association.
Education:
2010 Pharm D at the University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
2013 Master of Philosophy (Pharmaceutics) at the University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
2022 PhD (Pharmaceutics) at the University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
The main publications of Dr. Maryam Shabbir are:
Saeed S, Barkat K, Ashraf MU, Shabbir M, Anjum I, Badshah SF, et al. Flexible Topical Hydrogel Patch Loaded with Antimicrobial Drug for Accelerated Wound Healing. Gels. 2023;9(7):567.
Arshad J, Barkat K, Ashraf MU, Badshah SF, Ahmad Z, Anjum I, Shabbir M, et al. Preparation and characterization of polymeric cross-linked hydrogel patch for topical delivery of gentamicin. e-Polymers. 2023;23(1):20230045.
Arshad J, Barkat K, Ashraf MU, Badshah SF, Ahmad Z, Anjum I, Shabbir M, Mehmood Y, Khalid I, Malik NS, Bin Jardan YAl. Fabrication of pH responsive hydrogel blends of chondroitin sulfate/pluronic F-127 for the controlled release of ketorolac: its characterization and acute oral toxicity study. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy. 2022;48(11):611-22.
Maher S, Shabbir M, Anam I, Khan N, Iqbal S, Saleem F. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of methanolic extract of medicinal plants from Balochistan. Int J Biol Biotechnol. 2020;15:691-7.
Shabbir M, Sajid A, Hamid I, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Raza M, et al. Influence of different formulation variables on the performance of transdermal drug delivery system containing tizanidine hydrochloride: in vitro and ex vivo evaluations. Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2019;54:e00130.
Nagra U, Adnan S, Shafqat S, Shabbir M, Ali S, Zafar A, et al. Effect of Sustained Release Polymers on Drug Release Profile of Aceclofenac Tablets Physicochemical Properties, Analysis of Kinetics and Fit Factor. Indian J Pharm Educ Res. 2019;53:58-65.
Fatima S, Akhtar MF, Ashraf KM, Sharif A, Saleem A, Akhtar B, Peerzada S, Shabbir M, Ali S, Ashraf W, Antioxidant and alpha amylase inhibitory activities of Fumaria officinalis and its antidiabetic potential against alloxan induced diabetes. Cellular and molecular biology (Noisy-le-Grand, France). 2019;65(2):50-7.
Saeed S, Raza M, Shabbir M, Akhtar MF, Sharif A, Zaman M, et al. Study of Multi-Drug Resistance Associated with Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment by DOT Implementation Strategy in Pakistan. Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences. 2018;14:107-12.
Arshad I, Ali S, Amin U, Shabbir M, Raza M, Sharif A, et al. Effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer on the release of ketoprofen and allopurinol from bilayer matrix transdermal patch. Advances in Polymer Technology. 2018;37(8):3076-83.
Sohail K, Javaid Z, Hamid I, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Raza M, Ali S, Shabbir M, Peerzada S, Ahmad S. Formulation and evaluation of ranitidine floating tablets using different polymer combinations. Journal of Toxicological &Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2017;1(1):18-25.
Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Akhtar B, Saleem A, Manan M, Shabbir M, et al. Genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of whole plant extracts of Kalanchoe laciniata by Ames and MTT assay. EXCLI journal. 2017;16:593.
Shahid N, Adnan S, Farooq M, Ali S, Shabbir M, Masood Z, et al. Development of compressed coated polypill with mucoadhesive core comprising of atorvastatin/clopidogrel/aspirin using compression coating technique. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica. 2017;74(2):477-87.
Shabbir M, Fazli AR, Ali S, Raza M, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, et al. Effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer on in vitro dissolution and permeation of bisoprolol fumarate through transdermal patch. Acta Pol Pharm. 2017;74:187-97.
Saba Mazhar NS, Raza M, Akhtar B, Zahra A, Akhtar MF, Saleem A, Chishti SA, Shabbir M, Sharif A. A descriptive study of Measles outbreak in Lahore, Pakistan in 2013. J Toxicol Pharmaceut Sci. 2017;1(1):26-30.
Manzoor I, Raza M, Shabbir M, Ali S, Akhtar MF, Peerzada S, et al. Formulation and characterization of curcumin nanoparticles prepared from eudragit L-100 and poly vinyl alcohol as polymer. J Toxicol Pharmaceut Sci. 2017;1(1):7-12.
Akhtar MF, Sharif A, Saleem M, Saleem A, Akhtar B, Raza M, Ijaz H, Shabbir M, Ali S, Nasim MB, Peerzada S. Genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of Alternanthera Bettzickiana, an important ethno-medicinal plant. Cellular and Molecular Biology. 2017;63(8):109-14.
Ahmed S, Saeed-Ul-Hassan S, Islam M, Qureshi F, Waheed I, Munawar I, Ishtiaq S, Rasool S, Akhtar MF, Chishti SA, Shabbir M. Anti-oxidant activity of Pistachia khinjuk supported by phytochemical investigation. Acta Pol Pharm. 2017;74(1):173-8.
Shahid N, Ali S, Shabbir M, Waqar K. Compressed coated polypill with mucoadhesive core for cardiovascular disease-A review. The Pharma Innovation. 2016;4(3, Part B).
Shabbir M, Ali S, Farooq M, Adnan S, Yousaf M, Idrees A, et al. Formulation factors affecting in vitro and ex vivo permeation of bisoprolol fumarate from a matrix transdermal patch. Advances in Polymer Technology. 2016;35(3):237-47.
Mehmood A, Hamid I, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Akhtar B, Saleem A, Shabbir M, et al. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of seeds of Buchanania lanzan Spreng. In animal models. Acta poloniae pharmaceutica. 2016;73(6):1601-8.
Ali S, Shabbir M, Shahid N, Amin U, Hamid I, Raza M. Effect of Polysorbate 80 Through Rabbit’s Skin Using Transdermal Patch Loaded with Bisoprolol Fumarate as Model Drug. Pakistan J Zool. 2016;48(1):227-34.
Akhtar MF, Saleem A, Sharif A, Akhtar B, Nasim MB, Peerzada S, Raza M, Ijaz H, Ahmed S, Shabbir M, Ali S. Genotoxic and cytotoxic action potential of Terminalia citrina, a medicinal plant of ethnopharmacological significance. EXCLI journal. 2016;15:589.
Ali S, Shabbir M, Shahid N. The Structure of Skin and Transdermal Drug Delivery System-A Review. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2015;8(2):103-9.
Shabbir M, Ali S, Shahid N, Rehman K, Amin U, Raza M. Formulation considerations and factors affecting transdermal drug delivery system-A review. International Journal of Pharmacy and Integrated Life Sciences. 2014;2(9):20-35.
Ali S, Shabbir M, Farooq M, Adnan S, Shahid N. The enhancement effect of permeation enhancers on Bisoprolol fumarate across animal membrane using Franz diffusion cell. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2014;7(12):1391-5.
Conference papers
Shabbir M (2022), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Policy Gap between Health and Pharmaceutical Industry. In International Social Science Conference 2022 (School of International Social Sciences, University of Lahore).
Shabbir M (2022), Controlling Permeation of Ketoprofen and Allopurinol through Bilayer Transdermal Patch using Multiple Pharmaceutical Ingredients. In Current Advancement in Pharmacy Practice (CAPP)- Theory to Practice (University of Lahore, Lahore)
Shabbir M (2018), Nanocarriers Mediated Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Different Cancers. In the 4th Annual International Pharmacy Scientific Symposium and Poster Exhibition-2018 (University of Central Punjab, Lahore).
Shabbir M (2018), Lipid Enveloped Polymeric Nanoparticles for Targeted Photodynamic Chemotherapy. In the 3rd International Health Trigon Summit-2018 (University of Lahore).
You can view some of Dr Maryam’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Publon Profile: publons.com/researcher/1495244/maryam-shabbir
ORCID: 0000-0002-9308-5175
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maryam-Shabbir-4
Google Scholar: Maryam Shabbir – Google Scholar
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-shabbir-b409a270
Reviewer bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss if Effexor causes a change in taste during the treatment plan. Effexor is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and is used in the treatment of anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder, It might lift your spirit, and give you more energy.
Does Effexor affect taste?
Yes, Effexor can change the taste perception. Clinical data suggests that Effexor can alter the taste in the patient taking the medication. It is a common side effect of the drug and is induced due to the changes in serotonin and noradrenaline neurotransmitters.
It has been reported that changes in serotonin and noradrenaline levels can affect how bitter things taste. Serotonin levels alone have an impact on how sweet things taste, and noradrenaline alone has an impact on the taste of sour things.
These important neurotransmitters have been identified in taste buds and are released from taste cells when a flavour, like sugar, simulates the cell. If a depressed person has lower levels of serotonin or noradrenaline in their bodies, this could potentially have an impact on their taste buds. Similarly, when taking Effexor, changes in serotonin and noradrenaline levels will have an impact on taste and taste buds.
How does Effexor affect taste?
There are four types of taste modifications reported in the literature including:
- Hypogeusia: Diminished taste sense,
- Dysgeusia: taste distortion,
- Ageusia: taste loss (1).
Taste problems are linked to changed levels of serotonin (5-HT), and noradrenaline (NA) in conditions including depression and anxiety. This suggests the importance of transmitters in determining the threshold of health and illness related to taste buds (2).
In a study, the administration of 5-HT reuptake inhibitors, and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors suggested that enhancing 5-HT dramatically decreased the sucrose taste threshold by 27% and the quinine taste threshold by 53% in healthy humans (2).
What does research suggest?
In a double-blind, cross-over study, patients on Effexor reported taste change, nausea, dizziness, headache, decreased appetite, and constipation. After 2 weeks, Effexor was associated with more taste changes and other symptoms (4).
In a randomized controlled study, Effexor treatment was terminated in patients with fibromyalgia due to odd taste, taste alteration, sleepiness, dizziness, blurred vision, hallucinations, urine issues, and sexual dysfunction (5).
Another study reported the use of Effexor in Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). In five out of eight cases, the results of the bilateral tongue taste test using a solution that was sweet, sour, bitter, or salty, were abnormal. The patients also reported alteration in taste (6).
How does the change in taste affect life?
Numerous drugs that have an impact on taste, smell and salivation can cause patients to alter their drinking or eating habits, Due to underlying fragility and increased incidence of polypharmacy, the elderly are especially affected.
Some of the affected patients lose weight and develop nutritional deficits as a result of consuming fewer calories, Some attempt to make up for it by disguising symptoms with more drins, sugar, or salt. As one might expect, this modification may result in polyuria, incontinence, or worsening of pre-existing illnesses like hypertension.
Since many elderly people are frail, they are especially susceptible to negative health consequences. When a patient has low physiological or social reserve even small changes, such as changes in taste and smell, can be upsetting enough to be harmful.
When to consult the prescriber?
Your medical condition and response to Effexor usually determine the dosage of your drug. Your prescriber may advise you to begin taking Effexor at a low dose and increase it gradually to lower your risk of experiencing a change in taste. To get the most out of Effexor, take it daily.
Never discontinue using Effexor without first talking to your prescriber. Stopping this drug abruptly may make certain conditions worse. To minimize side effects, you might need to progressively lower your dosage.
It can take a few weeks for Effexor to start working. During this time the patient might experience side effects like a change in taste and night sweats. Inform your physician if your condition gets worse.
Clinically, identifying patients who have taste alteration related to Effexor is crucial because these changes can promote poor medication compliance and have a deleterious impact on managing chronic depression. Reduced taste can also lead to a greater craving for sugar or salt, which can make treating diseases like diabetes and hypertension more difficult.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the impact of Effexor on the taste. We also discussed how the change in taste can affect your life and what on should do if Effexor changes your taste perception.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Mikhail C, Elgaaly K, Abd El Latif Abd El Hamid A, Shaker O, Ali S. Gustatory Dysfunction among a Sample of Depressed Egyptian Adults under Antidepressants Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study. International Journal of Dentistry. 2021 Mar 4;2021:1-0. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2021/5543840/
2.-
Heath TP, Melichar JK, Nutt DJ, Donaldson LF. Human taste thresholds are modulated by serotonin and noradrenaline. Journal of Neuroscience. 2006 Dec 6;26(49):12664-71. https://www.jneurosci.org/content/26/49/12664.short
3.-
Buijs C, Mom CH, Willemse PH, Marike Boezen H, Maurer JM, Wymenga AM, De Jong RS, Nieboer P, De Vries EG, Mourits MJ. Venlafaxine versus clonidine for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer patients: a double-blind, randomized cross-over study. Breast cancer research and treatment. 2009 Jun;115:573-80. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10549-008-0138-7
4.-
Ramzy EA. Comparative efficacy of newer antidepressants in combination with pregabalin for fibromyalgia syndrome: a controlled, randomized study. Pain Practice. 2017 Jan;17(1):32-40. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/papr.12409
5.-
Mitsikostas DD, Ljubisavljevic S, Deligianni CI. Refractory burning mouth syndrome: clinical and paraclinical evaluation, comorbidities, treatment and outcome. The journal of headache and pain. 2017 Dec;18(1):1-6. https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-017-0745-y
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